2014 Illinois Forage Institute

The Illinois Forage Institute will be held on Thursday, March 13 at First Christian Church, Family Life Center, 1100 Killarney Drive, Greenville, Ill. The educational program, beginning at 9am and concluding at 4 pm, will focus on managing hayland and pastures. The program will also include commercial exhibits focusing on the forage industry. Companies interested in setting up forage related commercial exhibits should contact Dave Gentry at (309) 846-8320.

Topics to be presented in the morning include harvesting baleage, soil fertility management for hay and pastures, and corn crop residue: a winter feed alternative. The afternoon topics include hay storage and feeding methods to minimize losses, weed management for hay and pastures, forage insurance availability and selecting forage species. Program presenters include staff from University of Illinois Extension and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Also, Kendall Guither, Illinois Forage and Grassland Council incoming president and forage producer will present – What Baleage can do for You - to start the day’s program.. Kendall was the forage spokesperson winner at the recent American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Meeting held recently in Memphis, Tenn.

Cost for the educational program is $15 per person for IFGC members and $20 per person for non-members. Pre-registration is requested by March 5. Cost will be $20 and $25 respectively per person after March 5 and at the door on March 13. Registration covers a noon meal and forage presentation handout material. Program registration can be mailed to Matt Bunger, IFGC board member, 216 E. Main Street, Williamsville, Ill. 62693. The complete program agenda can be viewed at http://www.illinoisforage.org/

The Forage Institute is sponsored by the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council and supported by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Illinois Extension and Bond County Soil and Water Conservation District.